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Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe

Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe

Evergreen · Full Sun

Mature size: 50cm–80cm high × 1m–1.5m wide

  • Evergreen
  • Full Sun
  • Mature height50cm–80cm
  • Mature width1m–1.5m
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Good in pots
  • Flowers

Unusual flower spikes with tightly packed bracts create a distinctive snake-like appearance rarely seen in other Aloe species.

Regular price $140.00
Sale price $140.00 Regular price
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Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
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Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$140.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Aloe broomii

    Aloe broomii, known as Snake Aloe, is a single stemmed succulent forming a tight symmetrical rosette of broad grey-green leaves edged with dark teeth. The flower spike is the drawcard, a dense column to about 1.5 metres in which overlapping bracts hide the yellow flowers and give it a scaled, snake-like look.

    It comes from high, cold country in South Africa and Lesotho, so it takes frost better than most aloes, along with heat, wind and drought. Grow it in full sun in gritty, sharply drained soil. Growth is slow to moderate at 20 to 40 centimetres a year, and winter wet is the only real threat.

    It is planted as a single accent in rockeries, gravel gardens and raised succulent beds, or repeated at intervals through waterwise plantings. The symmetry reads well in contemporary and minimal designs. It also holds up in exposed inland gardens where softer feature plants tend to fail.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Snake Aloe

    What is Snake Aloe?

    It is a stemless South African aloe named for its unusual flower spike, where tightly packed bracts cover the flowers and give the column a scaled appearance. The rosette is broad, low and strongly symmetrical, made up of thick grey-green leaves with dark brown teeth along the margins. It rarely branches.

    How big does Snake Aloe grow?

    The rosette reaches roughly 1 metre across and 60 to 80 centimetres tall, with the flower spike lifting to about 1.5 metres. Growth runs at 20 to 40 centimetres a year, so a specimen takes several years to reach full size. It usually stays as a single rosette rather than forming a clump.

    When does it flower?

    Winter into spring, roughly July to October. A thick unbranched spike rises from the centre of the rosette carrying yellow flowers almost completely enclosed by pale overlapping bracts. The display holds for a month or more. Flowering does not kill the rosette, unlike some other succulents, and repeats most years once mature.

    Is it frost tolerant?

    Yes, and more so than most aloes. It grows naturally at altitude in the Drakensberg and on the Lesotho plateau, where snow and hard frost are normal. In Australian gardens it handles frost in inland and tableland districts provided the soil drains freely. Cold plus wet soil causes losses, not cold on its own.

    Does it need sun or shade?

    Full sun. It needs strong light to keep the rosette tight, the leaves thick and the grey colouring strong. In shade the leaves stretch, the symmetry is lost and flowering becomes unreliable. It also prefers air movement around the plant, so avoid crowding it with soft leafy neighbours.

    What soil does it need?

    Sharply drained gritty or sandy soil, ideally on a slope or raised bed. It tolerates poor, rocky and shallow ground and low fertility without complaint. On clay, plant it high in a mound of coarse sand, gravel and loam, and mulch with scoria or gravel rather than bark to keep the crown dry.

    How do I care for Snake Aloe?

    Water sparingly, deeply in summer and almost not at all through winter. Cut the flower spike out at the base once it has finished. Peel off dead lower leaves to keep the rosette clean and discourage pests. No fertiliser is needed beyond a light succulent feed in spring on very poor soil.

    Key growing information
    Mature height50cm to 80cm
    Mature width1m to 1.5m
    PositionFull Sun
    Growth per year20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions
    FrostFrost Tolerant
    FoliageEvergreen (foliage year round)
    FormSymmetrical
    UsesFeature Tree · Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots · Underplanting
    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Symmetrical
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Underplanting
    Mature height
    50cm to 80cm
    Mature width
    1m to 1.5m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe in Different Soil

    Aloe broomii performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Underplanting

    Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe works in an:

    • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
    • Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.

    Is Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 50cm to 80cm

    Mature Width: 1m to 1.5m

    Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

    Growth Rate of Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe

    Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe

    Is Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe frost tolerant?

    Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe Flower?

    Aloe broomii produces spectacular dense spikes of pale yellow to creamy-white tubular flowers during winter and spring. The flower heads are surrounded by distinctive long pointed bracts, creating a unique architectural display that rises prominently above the foliage while attracting pollinators and native birds.

    Does Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Winter
    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Not Applicable

    Flower Colour:

    Yellow

    Is Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe is Native to South Africa and Lesotho.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe ?

    Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, honeyeaters and other beneficial pollinators throughout the flowering season, supporting biodiversity within dry-climate and ornamental landscapes. The dense rosette structure also provides sheltered habitat for beneficial insects within garden settings.

    How much Sunlight does Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe need?

    Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Aloe broomii performs best in free-draining sandy or loam soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will also tolerate poor soils, rocky sites and exposed garden positions provided drainage remains excellent. Avoid heavy clay or persistently wet conditions, as excess moisture can lead to root and crown problems. Allow the soil to dry between watering once established to maintain healthy growth, flowering performance and long-term vigour.

    Is Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe Drought Tolerant?

    Is Aloe broomii – Snake Aloe Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it benefits from occasional watering to establish a healthy root system, particularly during extended dry periods. Once established, Snake Aloe shows excellent drought tolerance and performs reliably through prolonged dry conditions with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Why is it called Snake Aloe?
    A: The flower spikes are covered in tightly packed bracts, creating a snake-like appearance before the flowers open.

    Q: Is it drought tolerant?
    A: Yes, once established it requires very little supplemental watering.

    Q: Does it flower reliably?
    A: Yes, mature plants produce impressive flower spikes during winter and spring.

    Q: Is it suitable for rockeries?
    A: Yes, its architectural form and drought tolerance make it ideal for rockeries and waterwise gardens.

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Aloe broomii is loved for its Unusual flower spikes with tightly packed bracts create a distinctive snake-like appearance rarely seen in other Aloe species.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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